the SAME beginnings

So often I hear the phrase "new beginnings". As I almost used it for the title of this post, I suppose I must use it myself. But I had to stop myself. Do I really feel *new* at this point in my life... or do I feel the "SAME"?

If I do feel the SAME, what would be so wrong with that? I am the SAME little girl that draws pictures and is surprised and pleased (over-joyed, really) when I create something that I perceive as beautiful. I am the SAME young girl that feels a spark of love when I hear a boy reveal something deep and true about himself. I am the SAME young woman that thirsts to learn about far off places and dream that one day I'll touch the winds of the world. I am the SAME woman that never feels rest in her heart because there is always something to do to better the world and, in so doing, better herself.

In all this SAMEness, is there room for *new*? Maybe it's not the *new* beginning that I really long for after all. Maybe it's the continuation of the SAME me, but with *new* dreams and *new* perspectives. And most certianly *new* love. The SAME beginnings that always lead to great things.